TFS 2012 : The working folder is already in use after Hard Disk Format

Question

I have referred to a lot of forums and also this so question but my problem is that I have formatted my machine. So I'm not able to overcome this issue. I have tried deleting workspaces from visual studio command prompt and also clearing cache, but I feel this mapping is more on the server-side than local cache, because my machine was formatted. I don't know which file has this old working path saved.

Also I have tried downloading the project into a new working path. I was able to download, but then I don't get the TFS icon against each file. i.e.it's like working offline (disjoint from TFS database). On right click we generally have an option to return online or go online. In this case on right click I get TEAM -> Apply Patch & TEAM -> Share Project

Please help me with this.I had the same problem in my asp.net projects, when I simply downloaded them onto a new working path it worked fine. But this java project in eclipse just doesn't seem to connect to tfs when downloaded into a new path nor does it allow to download in the old path.

Please not I have formatted the machine.So my case is different, so this may not be a possible duplicate of other SO questions.

I did not disconnect or delete workspace before a format(due to lack of knowledge) at that point. May be doing that would never cause this. All I did is check in all files and re-formatted my windows.

Answer 1

I'd suggest using the (free) tool TFS Sidekicks: http://www.attrice.info/cm/tfs/

This will give you a GUI to view all workspaces (across all users and machines), and delete the obsolete ones.

Answer 2

This is stored on the server, but the tf workspace command should be able to remove it for you. You will probably need to supply it with the correct machine name to find it:

tf workspaces /computer:* /owner:domain\jesse.houwing /collection:http://yourserver:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection

Find the missing workspace (the one that was formatted) and remove it from the server:

tf workspace /delete /collection:http://yourserver:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection workspaceName;domain\jesse.houwing

Do not confuse tf workspaces /remove and tf workspace /delete, the former only removes the registration from your machine, the second removes it from the server.

Or, if the computer name and the username have stayed the same, edit the workspace and delete the paths no longer valid (or update them to their new location) by changing the workspace configuration. Use

tf workspace workspaceName;Owner

to open the dialog to edit your current workspace.

Or use

tf workspaces /updateComputerName /updateUserName

To reassign the workspace from the old computer (iinstallation) or user to the new one.

Answer 3

I tried using the TFS sidekick tool, but even then, ran into access denied error. Then I had to manually clear off the files from this path:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft Team Foundation Local Workspaces

So this can be alternative, if you do not want to install a tool or your company does not allow you to install software from unknown sources on your laptops due to policies.